More than 1.2 million jobs have been created since the Government came to office in September 2013, after the Australian economy created an additional 37,000 jobs in November.

The latest labour force figures, released today by the ABS, show the number of jobs created in November is almost double the 20,000 jobs the market expected. Seasonally adjusted employment is now 285,700 higher than it was a year ago. Total employment is at a record high of 12,694,300.

Encouragingly, female employment rose strongly, by 15,300 over the month and by 146,100 over the year, and is now at a record high of 5,954,000 in November.

Over the last year, full-time employment growth has accounted for around two thirds (63.1 per cent) of the total increase in employment.

With record levels of labour force participation for working age Australians, it is clear that the strong economy is giving more and more people the confidence to enter the jobs market.

“More than 1.2 million jobs have been created since the Government came to office in September 2013,” Minister O’Dwyer said.

“The Coalition Government’s plan for a strong economy is working. By contrast, Bill Shorten and Labor would risk it all with their $200 billion worth of taxes on electricity, workers, housing, savings, investments and retirement hitting millions of Australians.

“Labor’s approach to industrial relations is also of great concern. Labor’s secret deal to allow industry-wide strikes would cripple small businesses, damage our economy and cost jobs.

“The Australian economy has gained momentum, but we must be wary of global head winds and risks posed by taking a different approach,” Minister O’Dwyer concluded.